Audio from the British Library http://www.bl.uk/podcast en-gb ℗ & © The British Library Board The British Library Audio from the British Library Get audio and video from the British Library on your MP3 player or iPod British Library Podcasts British Library Audio webeditor@bl.uk http://www.bl.uk/whatson/podcasts/type/curators/index.html The British Library Stephen Hebron discusses his new book, exploring what Keats's letters and poems reveal about him. Stephen Hebron discusses his new book, exploring what Keats's letters and poems reveal about him and his creative process. Interviewed by Ellie Russell. Published by British Library Publishing, £25.00. http://www.bl.uk/whatson/podcasts/podcast100585.mp3 Tue, 27 Oct 2009 15:00:00 GMT 0:06:36 http://www.bl.uk/whatson/podcasts/exhibition/golden/index.html The British Library Beowulf is the greatest Anglo-Saxon epic, a tale of warriors, monsters and dragons. Julian Harrison, Curator of Medieval Manuscripts, explains. Beowulf is the greatest Anglo-Saxon epic, a tale of warriors, monsters and dragons. The poem has inspired films and musicals, graphic novels and computer games. All this is owed to the unique manuscript, which was nearly destroyed by fire in the 18th century. Julian Harrison, Curator of Medieval Manuscripts, explains. http://www.bl.uk/whatson/podcasts/podcast99773.mp3 Tue, 27 Oct 2009 15:00:00 GMT 0:03:48 http://www.bl.uk/whatson/podcasts/exhibition/golden/index.html The British Library Producers John and Lisel Gale, and Iain Mackintosh, are interviewed at the British Library. Introduced by Jamie Andrews Producers John and Lisel Gale are interviewed by Rebecca Novell, and Iain Mackintosh, who founded Oxford's Prospect Theatre Company, talks with Dr Alec Patton. Introduced by Jamie Andrews, Head of Modern Literary Manuscripts. From the 2009 Theatre Archive Project live event. Recorded on 14 September 2009 http://www.bl.uk/whatson/podcasts/podcast97620.mp3 Wed, 30 Sep 2009 17:00:00 GMT 1:08:28 http://www.bl.uk/whatson/podcasts/type/talks/index.html The British Library Former Mayor of London Ken Livingstone discusses how the political landscape has changed in the last 20 years In 1987, Ken Livingstone, former head of the recently abolished Greater London Council (GLC), discussed the need to reform the political system at the Institute of Contemporary Arts as part of the ongoing ICA Talks series. Two decades on, we invited Ken in to discuss how the political landscape has changed in the intervening years - and how it hasn’t. http://www.bl.uk/whatson/podcasts/podcast95132.mp3 Wed, 16 Sep 2009 09:30:00 GMT 0:27:42 http://www.bl.uk/whatson/podcasts/exhibition/henry/index.html The British Library Author Alison Weir on Henry VIII's femme fatale Alison Weir is one of Britain's best-loved and most-read historians. Her works include The Six Wives of Henry VIII, Henry VIII: King and Court and Mary, Queen of Scots. Her next book will be a detailed account of the dramatic and controversial imprisonment and execution of Anne Boleyn. In this intriguing talk, she makes a compelling case that Anne went to her death an innocent, wronged woman. http://www.bl.uk/whatson/podcasts/podcast95533.mp3 Tue, 11 Aug 2009 09:30:00 GMT 0:34:15 http://www.bl.uk/whatson/podcasts/type/talks/index.html The British Library Cheryl Tipp, curator of Wildlife for the British Library Sound Archive, discusses the new British Mammals CD Cheryl Tipp, curator of Wildlife for the British Library Sound Archive, discusses the British Mammals CD which contains 26 recordings of a variety of mammals found across the British Isles. Recordings include the calls of species such as the Red Deer, Red Squirrel and Grey Seal that are celebrated features of the British landscape. It also features the sounds of our more secretive mammals such as the Otter, Yellow-necked Mouse and Pine Marten. http://www.bl.uk/whatson/podcasts/podcast95131.mp3 Thu, 16 Jul 2009 15:00:00 GMT 0:08:28 http://www.bl.uk/whatson/podcasts/exhibition/henry/index.html The British Library The guest curator of the Henry VIII exhibition in the last of three lively lectures examining England's most notorious king In the third and final lecture of this enthralling series David Starkey examines the paradox of Henry's life. For the divorce from Katherine of Aragon and break from Rome, which wrecked his character, also laid the foundations for the great achievements of his reign. Recorded on 30 June 2009. http://www.bl.uk/whatson/podcasts/podcast95053.mp3 Wed, 8 Jul 2009 16:10:00 GMT 1:00:54 http://www.bl.uk/whatson/podcasts/type/talks/index.html The British Library Dr Juan Garcés talks to Amy Myshrall about the digitised Codex Sinaiticus Codex Sinaiticus is one of the most important books in the world. Handwritten over 1600 years ago, the manuscript contains the Christian Bible in Greek, including the oldest complete copy of the New Testament. Dr Juan Garcés of the British Library talks to Amy Myshrall, one of the team who helped create the digitised Codex Sinaiticus. http://www.bl.uk/whatson/podcasts/podcast94941.mp3 Mon, 6 Jul 2009 11:10:00 GMT 0:10:01 http://www.bl.uk/whatson/podcasts/type/talks/index.html The British Library The author of Ways of Telling: the Work of John Berger talks to Jamie Andrews Geoff Dyer - novelist, writer, and author of Ways of Telling: the Work of John Berger - talks to Head of Modern Literary Manuscripts Jamie Andrews, on the eve of Berger's donation of his archive to the Library. http://www.bl.uk/whatson/podcasts/podcast94794.mp3 Mon, 22 Jun 2009 10:00:00 GMT 0:24:46 http://www.bl.uk/whatson/podcasts/exhibition/henry/index.html The British Library The guest curator of the Henry VIII exhibition in the second of three lively lectures examining England's most notorious king In this lively, compelling and opinionated lecture - the second of three - Dr Starkey looks at the change in Henry: from the ideal prince at the time of his accession, with his high ideals of virtue, glory and immortality, to the tyrant of his maturity. It blames the crisis of his divorce, which split his family and destroyed his closest friendships. Recorded on 2 June 2009. http://www.bl.uk/whatson/podcasts/podcast94564.mp3 Tue, 9 Jun 2009 11:10:00 GMT 0:57:38 http://www.bl.uk/whatson/podcasts/exhibition/henry/index.html The British Library Personal book of devotion showing vividly how Henry wanted the world to see him - and what he really thought This book of psalms was Henry's personal copy, used for private devotion. The rich illustrations show how he wanted to be seen as a modern-day King David, a pious harpist slaying the Goliath of the papacy. His marginal notes on the other hand reveal his innermost thoughts. James Carley of York University, Toronto, talks to Rob Ainsley about this beautiful and intriguing little book. http://www.bl.uk/whatson/podcasts/podcast94102.mp3 Wed, 20 May 2009 12:30:00 GMT 00:13:20 http://www.bl.uk/whatson/podcasts/exhibition/henry/index.html The British Library The guest curator of the Henry VIII exhibition in the first of three lively lectures examining England's most notorious king In this lively, compelling and opinionated lecture - the first of three - Dr Starkey examines Henry VIII's upbringing as a second son, his education and induction into chivalry, the dominant figures of his childhood and youth, the tensions with his father, and his accession. http://www.bl.uk/whatson/podcasts/podcast93800.mp3 Thu, 15 May 2009 11:30:00 GMT 01:05:19 http://www.bl.uk/news/2009/pressrelease20090508.html The British Library Hunter Davies talks with Head of Modern Literary Manuscripts Jamie Andrews about a previously unseen George Harrison lyric A previously unseen George Harrison lyric, found by author and collector Hunter Davies, has gone on display. Written in early 1967 when George was 23 or 24, the untitled song was penned at a time when The Beatles had stopped touring to spend more time in the studio to work on what would become their most famous record, Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. Davies talks to the British Library's Jamie Andrews. http://www.bl.uk/whatson/podcasts/podcast93766.mp3 Wed, 14 May 2009 09:30:00 GMT 00:14:27 http://www.bl.uk/whatson/podcasts/exhibition/henry/index.html The British Library How Henry created history's most extravagant tent-city party Brett Dolman of Historic Royal Palaces describes it as 'half international summit, half It's A Knockout' in this fascinating and lively talk, recorded at Hampton Court Palace. The extraordinary campsite carnival of 1520 spawned tales of excess and hedonism to beat any modern-day rock festival while Henry and Francis, rival young kings of England and France, were sizing each other up. http://www.bl.uk/whatson/podcasts/podcast93689.mp3 Fri, 8 May 2009 13:10:00 GMT 00:10:37 http://www.bl.uk/whatson/podcasts/exhibition/henry/index.html The British Library Experts discuss and perform music by and for Henry Music was a vital part of young King Henry VIII's life. Hear music written for him, including the Rose Canon in full, and some of Henry's own compositions. Experts discuss him, his musical world, and its significance. With Nicolas Bell and David Skinner, introduced by Andrea Clarke. Extracts from Henry's Music (Obsidian CD705) courtesy of Obsidian Records. http://www.bl.uk/whatson/podcasts/podcast93288.mp3 Fri, 24 Apr 2009 13:50:00 GMT 00:17:31 http://www.bl.uk/whatson/podcasts/exhibition/henry/index.html The British Library How Henry VIII changed mapmaking, and how his maps changed England Among Henry VIII's less-recognised achievements was to pioneer modern cartography. Tudor maps expert Peter Barber explains how Henry changed maps, and how maps changed England. Introduced by Andrea Clarke. http://www.bl.uk/whatson/podcasts/podcast93289.mp3 Fri, 24 Apr 2009 13:50:00 GMT 00:07:34 http://www.bl.uk/news/2009/pressrelease20090311.html The British Library The British Library has acquired the archive of Graham Swift The British Library has acquired the complete extant literary archive of Graham Swift. Here he talks with Head of Modern Literary Manuscripts Jamie Andrews about his thoughts on seeing his archive transferred to the national collections. He also discusses his newly-published collection of non-fiction Making an Elephant. http://www.bl.uk/whatson/podcasts/podcast92584.mp3 Fri, 13 Mar 2009 17:10:00 GMT 00:35:50 http://www.bl.uk/whatson/podcasts/exhibition/takingliberties/index.html The British Library Linda Colley and AC Grayling discuss Britain's constitutional conundrums Britain gave its former colonies constitutions – but hasn't got round to writing one itself. What shape are our freedoms and rights in today, 800 years after Magna Carta? Not a very good one, say Professor AC Grayling, and exhibition guest curator Professor Linda Colley. Covering every major domestic constitutional event from the Laws of Forests to the Human Rights Act, this debate is for anyone interested in liberty then and now. http://www.bl.uk/onlinegallery/whatson/downloads/files/liberty.mp3 Tue, 17 Feb 2009 12:10:00 GMT 01:28:35 http://www.bl.uk/whatson/podcasts/exhibition/takingliberties/index.html The British Library Trevor Phillips on the Human Rights Act: how well is it working to make our society fairer? From a series of events to accompany the Taking Liberties exhibition. Trevor Phillips, chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, asks why human rights has such a bad press when it's such a good thing – and talks about the best way to make it work for a better Britain. Listen to find out how the Human Rights Act is misunderstood and misused, and how it can be made to work for all of us – and what the Jeremy Kyle show can teach us about it. http://www.bl.uk/onlinegallery/whatson/downloads/files/equalitybritain.mp3 Thu, 12 Feb 2009 13:30:00 GMT 01:31:34 http://www.bl.uk/whatson/podcasts/exhibition/takingliberties/index.html The British Library Gripping panel debate about the most serious issue facing the world today: can we tackle climate change without dictatorship? From a series of events to accompany the Taking Liberties exhibition. Panel debate on where the ceiling is on our freedoms and rights when we must decrease emissions of greenhouse gases. With Dr Gabrielle Walker; Simon Retallack (Institute for Public Policy Research); Andy Atkins (Friends of the Earth); David North (Tesco); and Ken Livingstone (former London mayor). http://www.bl.uk/whatson/podcasts/podcast92021.mp3 Tue, 20 Jan 2009 11:30:00 GMT 01:27:31 http://www.bl.uk/onlinegallery/whatson/downloads/index.html The British Library Featuring the British Library's earliest recorded sound, a tinfoil recording of about 1877. Since December 2003, the British Library Sound Archive has been a partner in the Surface Scanning of Archived Sound Recordings research project at the University of Southampton. Professor John McBride, the project's manager and Nigel Bewley, head sound engineer in the Sound Archive, discuss the project. This podcast contains audio transferred by the project from the British Library's earliest object containing recorded sound, a Thomas Alva Edison tinfoil recording of c. 1877, which is unplayable by conventional means. Although the audio is of poor quality, it's extraordinary that the 130-year-old recording survives and is recoverable at all. http://www.bl.uk/whatson/podcasts/podcast92022.mp3 Tue, 16 Dec 2008 12:00:00 GMT 00:07:43 http://www.bl.uk/iraqdiary/cilip.html The British Library Dr Saad Eskander, head of the Iraq National Library, talks about library life in Baghdad at an awards ceremony Dr Saad Eskander, head of the Iraq National Library and Archive, became known for his remarkable online diary in 2006-07 on the extraordinary challenges of running a library in Baghdad during a time of conflict. At this ceremony he receives an Honorary Fellowship, and talks about his remarkable experiences http://www.bl.uk/whatson/podcasts/podcast92023.mp3 Mon, 15 Dec 2008 13:00:00 GMT 00:52:46 http://www.bl.uk/whatson/podcasts/exhibition/takingliberties/index.html The British Library Professor Nicholas Vincent gives a fascinating lecture on the icon of liberty From a series of events to accompany the Taking Liberties exhibition. In this fascinating lecture, Professor Nicholas Vincent – author and Professor of Medieval History at the University of East Anglia, and one of the world's leading experts on Magna Carta – talks about the great icon of liberty: its background, its significance, and its various physical incarnations http://www.bl.uk/whatson/podcasts/podcast92024.mp3 Thu, 4 Dec 2008 11:35:00 GMT 01:08:30 http://www.bl.uk/whatson/podcasts/exhibition/takingliberties/index.html The British Library Joan Bakewell interviews director of Liberty Shami Chakrabarti Shami Chakrabarti talks to Joan Bakewell in this interview recorded at the British Library on 31 October 2008, part of the Taking Liberties exhibition events series. Chakrabarti talks in detail about how quick-fix legislation, which has created 3000 new offences since 1997, is eroding our freedoms and rights http://www.bl.uk/whatson/podcasts/podcast92044.mp3 Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:00:00 GMT 01:29:28 http://www.bl.uk/whatson/podcasts/exhibition/takingliberties/index.html The British Library Curator Kristian Jensen discusses the 1957 Wolfenden Report, a key item in the Taking Liberties exhibition 31 Oct 2008-1 Mar 2009 Curator Kristian Jensen discusses the 1957 Wolfenden Report, which caused controversy upon its appearance for recommending that homosexual acts between consenting adults in private be legalised, but which led not only to a change in law but also public attitudes http://www.bl.uk/whatson/podcasts/podcast92045.mp3 Wed, 5 Nov 2008 16:00:00 GMT 06:24 http://www.bl.uk/whatson/podcasts/exhibition/takingliberties/index.html The British Library Curator Dr Matthew Shaw discusses Thomas Paine's radical 1791 text The Rights of Man, a key item in the Taking Liberties exhibition 31 Oct 2008-1 Mar 2009 Curator Matthew Shaw discusses Thomas Paine's radical 1791 text The Rights of Man: its political background in the English and French Revolutions, the response to Burke, its remarkable reception at the time, and its pioneering vision of social welfare and justice that was many decades ahead of its time http://www.bl.uk/whatson/podcasts/podcast92046.mp3 Fri, 31 Oct 2008 16:00:00 GMT 08:26 http://shop.bl.uk/mall/productpage.cfm/BritishLibrary/ISBN%5F9780712305419/95298 The British Library Includes discussion and audio clips of Arthur Miller, Arthur Conan Doyle and Virginia Woolf Richard Fairman of the British Library Sound Archive discusses The Spoken Word – British Writers and The Spoken Word – American Writers: CD sets containing rare and previously unpublished recordings of famous and influential authors. Includes discussion and audio clips of Arthur Miller, Arthur Conan Doyle and Virginia Woolf. Interviewed by Sarah Espiner. http://www.bl.uk/onlinegallery/whatson/downloads/files/britamwriters.mp3 Mon, 20 Oct 2008 16:00:00 GMT 13:00 http://www.bl.uk/whatson/podcasts/exhibition/takingliberties/index.html The British Library A short introduction from curator Dr Matthew Shaw Curator Matthew Shaw talks about some of the remarkable documents on show in the Library's forthcoming exhibition on Britain's struggle for freedoms and rights (31 Oct 2008 - 1 Mar 2009): from Magna Carta, through the Rights of Man and suffragette diaries, to today's debates about human rights, ID cards, and detention without trial. http://www.bl.uk/onlinegallery/whatson/downloads/files/takinglibertiesintro.mp3 Thu, 18 Sep 2008 16:00:00 GMT 04:00 http://www.bl.uk/whatson/podcasts/exhibition/golden/index.html The British Library Harold Pinter talks about his work with Harry Burton The great playwright Harold Pinter discusses his work in forthright terms with actor Harry Burton. With anecdotes about working with Ayckbourn, Gielgud and Richardson; his views on Iraq; a poetry reading; and his assertion that to tackle injustice, our job is 'to look for the truth and tell it'. http://www.bl.uk/whatson/podcasts/podcast92028.mp3 Mon, 8 Sep 2008 16:00:00 GMT 47:23 http://www.bl.uk/whatson/podcasts/exhibition/golden/index.html The British Library Jamie Andrews introduces the Library's free new exhibition The Golden Generation. Curator Jamie Andrews introduces the Library's free new display The Golden Generation, which features audio, video, manuscripts and more from the vibrant postwar age of British theatre 1945-1968. The podcast includes fascinating interview snippets with some of the people working at that time, from the legendary to the unsung. Recorded on 8 September 2008 http://www.bl.uk/whatson/podcasts/podcast92029.mp3 Mon, 8 Sep 2008 16:00:00 GMT 17:02 http://www.bl.uk/whatson/podcasts/type/talks/index.html The British Library Valerie Holman discusses her book Print For Victory: Book Publishing in England 1939-1945. Valerie Holman discusses the themes of her book Print For Victory: Book Publishing in England 1939-1945, including the realities of printing during paper rationing, the surprising effects of war on adult literacy and the role the government played in what was read at the time. Interviewed by Sarah Espiner. Recorded on 4 July 2008. Book published by the British Library £25 ISBN 978-0-7123-5001-3 http://www.bl.uk/whatson/podcasts/podcast92030.mp3 Tue, 9 Jul 2008 16:00:00 GMT 12:02 http://www.bl.uk/whatson/podcasts/type/talks/index.html The British Library With Jean Liddiard and Vivien Noakes. Poems read by actor Sam Dastor. Introduced by Jamie Andrews. Equally able as a poet and artist, Isaac Rosenberg is considered one of the most gifted voices of the First World War generation. His 'Break of Day in the Trenches' has been called the greatest poem of the war. Marking 90 years since his death on the Western Front, and the recent discovery in the British Library of long-lost Rosenberg letters, these talks by Jean Liddiard and Vivien Noakes explore Rosenberg 's world, work and legacy. With readings of some of his poems by actor Sam Dastor. Introduced by Jamie Andrews. Podcast recorded on 8 April 2008. http://www.bl.uk/whatson/podcasts/podcast92031.mp3 Tue, 22 Apr 2007 16:00:00 GMT 01:41:00 http://www.bl.uk/whatson/podcasts/exhibition/ramayana/index.html The British Library Fastasy writer Neil Gaiman talks about his film treatment of Ramayana to Ravi Swami. Neil Gaiman, author of the Sandman stories and many others, talks about his (unfilmed) treatment of Ramayana to Ravi Swami, animator, film maker and recent judge at the British Animation Awards. Recorded on 25 March 2008. http://www.bl.uk/whatson/podcasts/podcast92034.mp3 Fri, 4 Apr 2008 16:00:00 GMT 45:00